The grip strength fitness challenge: how to achieve your first pull-up in just 4 weeks

woman hanging off a bar

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Strong Women


The grip strength fitness challenge: how to achieve your first pull-up in just 4 weeks

By Miranda Larbi

2 years ago

4 min read

Pull-ups are notoriously hard, even if you’re strong and fit in other areas. The key is to improve your grip strength, as CrossFitter and WIT Fitness coach Jess Rosart explains.  

Imagine the scene: there you are, ready to perform a heavy deadlift. You’ve done your mobility work, have your motivational playlist pumping and you’re feeling ready. You start lifting and although your legs are strong, your hands struggle to stay gripped to the bar. You’re going to have to pause before the next set for fear of dropping the bar.

We’ve all been there. You might be able to go heavy on a leg press but struggle to lift half the weight on a barbell. Or you’re used to rowing on a cable machine but dread the idea of having to use dumbbells. And that’s because your grip strength is weaker than it needs to be.  

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